Milking machine



s'. A. WARNER.

MILKING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 9, 1920.

PatentedApr. 18, 1922.

2 SHtES-SHEET I.

Seward A? War/7er .//MEI/Waf.`

S. A. WARNER.

MILKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION mu) MAR. 9; 1920.

1,4 1 3,546. Patented Apr. 18, 1922.

2 SHhETS-'SHEET 2.

U ETE el;

T E S SEWARD ALGER WARNER, 0F YPSILANTI, MICHIGAN.

MILKING MACHINE Application led March 9, 1920. Serial No. 364,599.

To all 'Lv/10m t may concern Be it known that I, SnwAnn ALGER WAR- NER, of the city of Ypsilanti, Stateof Michigan, U. S. A., a citi'zenof the United States, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in MilkingMachines; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full,

clear, and exact description thereof.

My invention relates particularly to pulsators for the electrically operated vacuum milking machine of the class in which the4 relatively high and when the machine became out of order the services of a skilled mechanic had to be employed to put it in working order.

The object of my invention is to overcome these defects by providing a pulsator made up of more or less loosely fitting parts which may be assembled without ne adjustments. The parts being loosely fitting, accurate machining will'not be required and wear will be reduced to a minimum. Further objects are to provide a construction which will permit of ready inspection and removal of the pulsator valve; and to provide a single or double water-proof magnetic unit which may be detachably mounted upon the top of the milk receptacle and be readily connected or disconnected to the source lof the electrical energy. Briey stated my invention consists of a vacuum milking machine comprising a milk receptacle having teat and suction connections thereto and comprising a valve case in communication with the interior of the milk receptacle at one end and with the atmosphere at the op osite end, an iron valve,

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 1.8, 1922.

inventionfreference must be had to the accompanying drawings in' which similar reference characters indicate the same parts, and wherein Figure l is a vertical sectional View taken on line 1 1 Figure 6 of a. milking machine constructed according to my invention;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 2-2 Figure 6;

Figure 3 is aI detail plan of the claw connection between the branch milk tubes and main tubes;

Figure '4 is a vertical sectional view of the claw,

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view taken o-n line 5--5 Figure 6;

Figure 6 is a plan view of my improved milking unit;

Figure 7 is a detail'view of the make and break device;

pulsator valve members; i

Figure 9 is a detailview of the-'removable closure and air filtering device for the upper end of the pulsator Valve case;

Figure 10 is a modification of the pulsator valve member and Figure 11 is a transverse sectional view of one of. the pulsator valves taken on line 11-11, Figure 2. Fig. 12 is a detail view of a holding plug.

The preferred embodiment of my invention is the milking machine illustrated in `the accompanying drawings'.

The milk receptacle is indicated at 2 and is closed by a flat cover 3 having a depending circumferential fiange 4 adapted to fit inside the receptacle, an annular gasket 5 located between the receptacle and cover making the joint air-tight. The receptacle is adapted to be connected to the suction pipe line (not shown) through a nipple 6 formed integrally with the cover over which one end of the flexible tube 7 is adapted to be fitted. The opposite end-tof the tube when idle may be fittedover aplug 8 of corresponding dimensions to the nipple and mounted upon the cover adjacent the same.

The pulsator mechanism consists of a pair of vertical disposed cylindrical valve cases 20 and 21 projecting upwardly from the cover and formed integrally therewith. The

Y valve cases are spaced a distance apart and are alike in all respects each having at its lower end a suction port 22 e'ecting coml 7 5 FigureS is a detail elevation of one of the ice munication between the valve chamber 23 and the interior of the receptacle, an annular packing member 24 being seated upon such lower end of the valve chamber and constituting a seat for the pulsator valve 25. T he upper end of the valve chamber is closed by a combined closure and filtering device detachably secured thereto, the valve chamber being of increased diameter to present a shoulder 26 upon which the closure is seated. This combined closure and filtering device consists of a cup-like member 27 the bottom ort' which is constituted by a packing member 28 having an air inlet port 29 centrally thereof, such packing member constituting a valve seat for the upper end of the valve 25. The top of this cup-like member is closed by a. cover 30 having a c1rcumferential series of airinlet portsBl therein. T his cover is held in place and the complete closure is detachably secured to the upper end of the valve case -by a. transverse bar 32 contained within the cup and extending laterally through diametrically oppositely positioned openings 33 in the surrounding wall thereof, the extreme ends of the `bar engaging in bayonet slots 34 in the adjacent/portions of the valve case. To the middle of this bar is connected the lower end ot a short bolt 35 passing upwardly through a central opening in the cover and which is provided with a knurled ringer-hold 3T, a spring bearing between the top of the cover and such finger-hold yieldingly maintaining the cover upon thetop of the cup, and the closure upon its seat 26. To filter the air entering the ports 3l the interior of the cup is filled with cotton-batting or like material indicated at 39. The closure may beremoved by giving the finger-hold 37 a slight turn to the left thus Jfreeing the extreme ends of thel transverse bar 32 from the bayonet slots. The cover 30 may be removed from the cup by moving the latter with its retaining means to one side of the cup until the opposite end of t-he bar clears the adjacent portion of the valve case in which position. it may be easily withdrawn. This construction and arrangement of parts permits of the ready inspection of the valve and also of easy assembly by the most inexperienced of operators.

Each valve 25 is loosely movable within its valve case and is capable of up and down movement therein under the influence of electromagnetic means encircling the case. ln the embodiment illustrated each valve consists of a unitary iron member of rectangular cross-section ot uniform dimensions throughout and its opposite ends are fiat the lower end being adapted to close the suction port 22 when the valve is in its lowermost position while the upper end is to close the air i take port when the valve is in its uppermost position rlhe rectangular cross-section of the valve presents longitudinal air passages 300 between the perimeter ot' the valve and the valve case which passages are adapted to eHect communication between the, air inlet port and milk tubes when the valve is in position closing the port 22. Although a valve of rectangular cross-section is illustrated and described herein it is to be distinctly understood that I do not limit myself to such a construction, a loosely tting valve of circular cross-section with passages effecting communication between the teat connections and the atmosphere may lbe employed without departing from the spirit of my invention as illustrated in Figure l0.

The milk is conducted from the udder to the pulsator mechanism through teat cups 50, branch milk tubes 51g 52. 53 and 54, main milk conducting tubes v55 and 5G and a claw connection effecting communication between the branch tubes and the main tubes. This claw .consists of a hollow member divided by a transverse partition 57 into upper and lower chambers 58 and 597 the upper chamber having branch nipples 60 over which are respectively fitted the adjacent ends of the branch tubes and lland the main tube 55 and the lowerl chamber having similar nipples 61 over which the ends of the tubes 5l and 52an l 56 are fitted. The purpose ot this construction and arrangement of parts is to connect each of the main tubes to two otl the branch tubes in order that suction will be exerted upon two of the teats when the other two are relieved, consequently the danger of the teat eu s dropping off will be'largely overcome. emovable plugs 120 are screwed into the upper and lower ends of the claw and permit of the compartments within the latter being cleaned.

The main milk conducting tubes 55 and 56 communicate with their respective valve chambers adjacent to the lower ends thereon` through branch nipples 60a and 6l each containing a passage 62. The valves 25 are adapted to be alternately actuated by an electromagnetic unit adapted to be detachably mounted upon the cover ot the milk receptacle in position encircling` the valve cases. This unit consists of a casing constituted by a bottom G3 surrounding side wall 64 and cover 65 the bottom and cover having openings in vertical alignment with each other to permit the casing to be fitted over the valve cases and a circular wall (SG surrounding each opening and extending from the bottom to the cover. lrilithin the annular chambers contained in this casing are located a air of magnetic coils 67 and 68 each encircling the upper end et' one of the valves. This position the coil is obtained by lateral extension o9 terme-.l integrally with the casing having an upwardly turnedV end upon which the casing is supported the bottom of the extension being flat and adapted to lie flush upon the cover. This extension contains a chamber 70 extending throughout the length thereof and communicating with the interior having three contacts, 76, 77 and 78, and

the switchtwo contacts79 and 80 adapted to be closed by an intermediate member 81 operated by a button 82.

The power may be derived from any suitable source. In the embodiment illustrated'it is obtained from a generator 83 and adapted to lbe conducted intermittently to each of the. coils through a make and break device which alternately connects the 'circuits of the coils with the generator, through permanent lines with which the pulsator units can be connected by portable conductors at convenient points. The connection of `coil 67 to the permanent lines is effected by a portable lead extending from the permanent line 200 to contact `78 of the plug 75'and this contactis electricall contact 79 of the switch, the other contact of which is connected to contact 77 lof the plug as at 87 and from the contact 77 to they permanent line ,201 by a portable lead 88. The circuit in which the coil 68 is incorporated is identical with that of the coil 67V theV generator as at 205. -A lead 904 extending from the permanent line 202 to contact .76 ofthe plug 75 and from thence to one end of91 of the coil68 from the coil .through lead 86 to contact 79 of the switch the pairs are alternately closed by a cam 92 and from the switch to the permanent line 201 through lead 87, contact 77 and portable lead 88. Each 'of the airs of contacts 84 and 89 ofthe make an break device is adapted to be normally sprung apart and Alocated intermediate of the pairs and mounted upon a'stub shaft y94 -journalled in a housin and being driven from the generator sha t 95' through a worm 96 and Worm wheel 97 orany other desired means. One of'each of the pairs of contacts is constantly in communication with the generator incorporated in the generator circuit.

The electromagnetic unit is adapted to be detachably connected to the cover of the milk receptacle through lugs 98 and 99 formed integrally therewith and' having connected to one end of the coil 67. The circuit is completed through a lead 86 v vcommon to both coils and connected to the conducting tubes.

ized its'valve which is located upon the valve sockets 101 with which engage detachably hook fasteners 102 and'103 mounted in lugs '104 and 105 on the extension 69 on opposite sides ofthe plug the toe of each fastener being adapted to be moved into the socket ofits respective lug and relative d isplacement being yieldingly resisted by a helical spring 106 encircling the shank of the hook and bearing between each lug, 104 and a finger-hold 107.

The usual bail is indicated at 150.

The embodiment of my invention as described and illustrated is particularly ada ted for one cow (single unit) although additional milk conducting tubesmay be connected to the nipples 16() if desired, the nipples, when not in use being closed by valves 162. It is to be distinctly understood, however, that a multiple unit machine may be equally well employed by multiplication of the parts without departing from the spirit of my invention. Y

Operation.

Preliminary` to the operation'of my improved machine the generator and vacuum pump are s et in operation and the milking unit is' connected to the Suction pipe line and to the source of power.v The switch is then closed and teat cupsapplied to the cow. The

make land break device causes the coils to v be alternately and lintermittently magnetized. As each coil is magnetized the other is demagnetized and a flow of milk' is obtained intermittently throughv each of the As each coil is magnetseat at `the, lower end of its valve case closing .port 221s raised toposition closing the air ,inlet port29 and opening communication between the interior of the milk receptacle and the milk tube leading to the valve case in question. The partial vacuum within the receptacle which is obtained by a'reduced pressure of approximately seven and one'half (75) pounds'causessuction upon the teats to which the tube is connected thereby-causing a flow of milk to the receptacle. his iow ceases when the coil is demagnetized as the valve drops back to position closing vport 22v and opening inlet 29..

I claim- 1. vIn a vacuum milking machine the combination withv a milk receptacle, means adapted to maintain a partial vacuum therein, and a teat connection, of an electromagnetic pulsator for alternately effecting communica'tion between said teat connection andthe interior of the" milk receptacle and between thev teat connection and' the atmosphere said pulsa'tor consisting of a valve case containing a valve chamber'having closed ends, one of such ends having an air intake port therein, and the other end having a s ucltion port therein eii'ecting communication between the valve chamber and the interior of the milk receptacle. the center line of each of said ports coinciding with the vlongitudinal axial plane ot' the valve-case, a valve located in said chamber one end of said valve lbeing adapted to close the air intake port when abutting against the end of the valve lase containing the same and the opposite end ot' the valve being adaptedto close the suction port when abutting against the end of the valve case containing the same electromagnetic means encircling the valve case and constructed and arranged to actuate the said valve.

2. In a vacuum milking machine. the combination with a milk receptacle` means adapted to maintain a partial vacuum therein. and a teat connection; of a pulsator for alternately effecting communication between the teat connection and the milk receptacle,v and between the teat connection and the atmosphere. said pulsator consisting of a valve case having closed ends one of said ends having an air intake port therein and the other having a port effecting communication between the valve case and the milk receptacle, a valve longitudinally movable within said valve case, the ends of said valve presenting valvular faces adapted to control said ports, thecenter-line ot each of said ports coinciding witlrthe axial plane of the valve and an annular packing member located within the valve ase at each end thereotl and adapted to constitute a cushion valve seat for said valve, and means for actuating the valve.

3. In a vacuum milking machine the combination with a milk receptacle including the cover thereof, a Suction connection to the milk receptacle and a teat connection of a pulsator adapted to connect the teat connection to the milk receptacle, said pulsator consisting of a valve case formed integrally with the cover and having an air intake port in its upper end and a port in its lower end communicating with the milk receptacle,an iron valve longitudinally movable within said case` said valve presenting a space throughout its length between it and the valve caseconstituting an air passage, a magnetic coil encircling the same with the valve within its magnetic field, said coil being adapted, when magnetized, to exert a lifting force on the valve for the purpose of closing the air intake port and opening the port at the lowell end of the valve case and when demagnetized to release the valve for the purpose of closing the port in the lower end of the valve case and opening the air intake port and means for intermittently energizing said coil.'

4. In a vacuum milking machine the combination with a milk receptacle including the cover thereof, a suction connection to said receptacle, a teat connection, of a pulsator for alternately effecting communication between the teat connection, and the' milk receptacle and between the teat connection and the atmosphere, said pulsator consisting fof a valve case supported upon the cover.: and having an air intake port in one end and a suction port'in the other end in communication with the milk receptacle, said teat connection communicating with the interior of the valve case adjacent such last mentioned end, a relatively soft annular packing'at each end ot' said valve casecon-4 stituting a cushion valve seat, a valve within said valve case and of uniform dimensions throughout and adapted'tocontrol said ports. a magnetic coil carried independently ot' the valve case and encircling the same with the valve 'within its magnetic field and means for intermittently energizing said coil.

5. In a vacuum milking machine the combination with a milk receptacle including the cover thereof, of a suction connection to said receptacle and a milk conducting tube. of a pulsator alternately effecting communication between said milk 4conducting tube and the receptacle and between the tube and the atmosphere, said pulsator consisting ot ia valve case supported upon the cover and .formed integrally therewith, a port in the lower end of said valve case communicating with the receptacle a valve within said valve case, an air" iltering device mounted upon the upper end of said valve case and detachably secured thereto and adapted to permit of the withdrawal of the valve when detached, and an electromagnetic coil encircling the valve case and mounted in position independently of the latter and ot the closure and adapted to actuate said valve.

6. In a vacuum milking machine the combination with a milk receptacle including the cover thereof, a suction connection. to said receptacle` and a milk conducting tube, of a pulsator alternately effecting communication between said milk conducting tube and the receptacle and between the tube and the atmosphere, said pulsator consisting ot' a valve case supported upon the cover and a port in the lower end of said valve case communicating with the receptacle. a valve within said v alvecase. `a combined closure and air filter devicefor closing the upper end of the valve case, said device consisting of a cup-like member the bottom ot' which having a port therein, a cover t'or said cuplike member having a plurality otl air ports therein, and a textile filler within said cup-` like member, said milk conductiug tube communicating with the valve case at a point adjacent the lower end thereof' and an electromagnetic coil encircling the valve case and mounted in position independently of the latter and of said closure and adapted to actuate said valve.

- therefor.; of a valvev case supported upon said cover, a valve within said valve case, and an electromagnetic unit encircling said valve case and adapted to exert lifting force upon the valve and means for detachably fastening the unit to the cover, said means consisting of lugs upon the' cover and hook fasteners carried by said unit and adapted to .engage said lugs.

9. In a vacuum milking machine the combinationv with a milk receptacle and a cover therefor; of a valve case formed integrally with the cover and having an open end, re-

movable means for closing said end, a valve Within said valve case, and a detachable electromagnetic unit in position encircling the valve case and adapted to exert a lifting force upon the valve said unit being detachable independently of said means for closing the valve case end.

10. In a vacuum milking machine a plurality of main milk conducting tubes, means for causing suction alternately` through said main tubes, a plurality of branch milk conducting tubes and unitary means connecting some of the branch tubes to each of the main tubes, said unitaryl means consisting of a hollow member divided by a partition disposed. transversely to its length into inde* pendent compartments, each compartment being in communication with one of. said main tubes and some of the branch tubes.

11. In a vacuum milking machine, the combination with a milk receptacle, milk conducting tubes, pulsator mechanism controlling the flow of milk through said tubes and including af pair of electromagnetic coils, a valvular member located in the magnetic field of each coil. a pair-of electric circuits, each circuit including one of said coils, a generator and a make and break device constructed and, arranged to alternately and intermittently connect the circuits to the generator, for the purpose of causing the valvular members to pulsate, said make and break device consisting of a plurality of pairs of contacts, each pair being normally sprung apart, and a .rotary device adapted to successively close said pairs of contacts and means for rotating said device.

12. In a vacuum milking machine, the combination with a milk receptacle, milk conducting tubes, pulsator mechanism controlling the flow of milk through said tubes and including a pair of electromagnetic coils, a valvular member located in the magnetic field of each coil', a pair of electric circuits, each circuit including one of said coils, a-generator, and a make and break device constructed and arranged to alternately and intermittently connectO the circuits to the generator, for the purpose of causing the valvular members to pulsate, said make and break device consisting of a plurality of pairs of contacts each pair being normally sprung apart, a rotary cam adapted to successively close said pairs of contacts, and means for rotating said cam, said means con` sisting of a shaft operatively connected to said generator, a Worm upon said shaft, a Worm-Wheel in intermeshing relation with said worm and rotatable in unison with said cam.

13. In a vacuum milking machine, the

combination with a milk receptacle a suction connection to said receptacle and a milk tube; of valvular means constructed and arranged to effect and control communication between the milk tube and milk receptacle, said valvular mechanism including Ja valve case mounted upon the receptacle and having a port' in one end effecting communication with the interior of the receptacle and anI air inlet port in its opposite end, said milk" tube communicating with the valve case between the ends thereof and a valve Within said valve case and adapted to control the said ports, said valve being constructed and arranged to present a longitudinal air passage between its perimeter and the valve case whereby communication between the air inlet port and milk conducting tube is effected when the valve is in position closing the port communicating with the milk receptacle.

14. In a vacuum milking machine, the combination with a milk receptacle. of a hollow nipple mounted upon the milk receptacle and communicating with the interior thereof. a flexible suction tube having one end litted over said nipple and a plug of corresponding dimensions to said nipple and mounted upon said receptacle, the free end of the tube beingadapted to be fitted over the plug when idle.

15. In a vacuum milking machine, the combination with a milk receptacle having .and the receptacle, said mechanism including a plurality of valve cases supported upon the cover, and having open upper ends, detachable means closing said ends, valves within said valve cases, a portable electro-` magnetic unit independent of said detachable means and constructed and arranged to encircle the valve cases and conslsting of a plurality of coils adapted to exert magnetic force upon the said valves and means for detachably fastening the unit to said cover.

16. In a vacuum milking machine the combination with a milk receptacle having a cover, milk conducting tubes leading to the nected to said electric power line and means for detachably fastening the unit to said cover.

17. In a vacuum milking machine the combination with amilk receptacle having a cover, milk conducting tubes leading to the receptacle, a suction connection to said receptacle and an electric power-line; of pul sator mechanism for controlling communication between the tubes and the receptacle, said mechanism including a. plurality of valve cases supported upon the cover, valves lWithin said valve cases, a portable electromagnetic unit constructed and arranged to enclrcle the valve cases-and adapted to exert magnetic force upon said valve cases, means .for detachably fastening the unit to said cover, and means adapted to rest upon the cover for determining the position of the unit relatively to the valves for the purpose of obviating the necessity of fine adjustment.

18. In a vacuum milking machine, the combination with a milk receptacle, means .adapted to maintain a partial vacuum therein, and a teat connection; of an electro-magnetic pulsator for alternately effecting communication between said teat connection and the atmosphere,` said pulsator including a valve, a magnetic element adapted to exercise a magnetic influence upon said valve, and means intermittently magnetizing said element for the purpose of causing the valve to pulsate.

19. In 'a ,vacuum milking machine the combination with a milk receptacle, means adapted to maintain a partial vacuum therein, and a teat connection; of an electromagnetic pulsator for alternately ei'ecting communication between said teat connection and theinterior of the milk receptacle and between the teat connection and the atmosphere, said pulsator consisting of a valve case containlng a valve chamber having closed ends, one of such ends having an air intake port therein, and the other end hav-l ing a suction port therein effecting communication between the valve chamber and the interior of the milk receptacle, the center-line of Said ports coinci ding with the longitudinal axial plane of the valve case, a valve located in said chamber one end of said valve being adapted to close the air intake port when abutting against the end of the valve case containing the same and the opposite end of the valve being adapted to close the suction port when abutting against the end of the valve case Icontaining the same, electro-magnetic means consisting of a magnetic element adapted to exercise magnetic influence upon said valve and means for intermittently magnetizing'said element whereby the valve is intermittently actuated. A

20. In a vacuum milking machine, the combination with a milk receptacle, means adapted to maintain a partial vacuum therein, and a teat connection; of a pulsator for alternately effecting communication between the teat connection and the milk receptacle, and between the teat connection and the atmosphere, said pulsator consisting of a valve case havin closed ends one of said ends having an air intake port therein and the other having a port effecting communi- ,cation between the valve case and the milk receptacle, a valve longitudinally movable within said valve case, the ends of said valve presenting valvular faces adapted to controlsaid ports, the center-line of each of said ports coinciding with the axial plane of the valve and an annular packing member located within the valve case at each end thereof and adapted to constitute a cushion valve seat for said valve, electro-magnetic adapted to exert a magnetic influence upon end of said valve case communicatingfwith the receptacle, a valve within ysaid valve case, a combined closure and air filtering device for closing the upper end of the valve case, said device consisting of a cup-like member snugly fitted within the upper end of the valve case and having an air intake port in its bottom, the cover for said cuplike member having a. plurality of air ports 105 means consisting of a magnetic element ment with the valve ease.

22. In a vacuum milking machine, the combination with a milk receptacle having a cover, milk conducting tubes leading to the receptacle, and a suction connection to such receptacle; of a pulsator mechanism for controlling communication between the tubes and the receptacle, said mechanism including a plurality of valve cases supported upon the cover, valves Within said valve cases, a portable electro-magnetic unit constructed and arranged to be fitted over the valve cases and consisting of a plurality of coils adapted to exert magnetic force upon the said valves, and means for alternately energizing the coils for the purpose of causing the valves to pulsate.

23. In a vacuum milking machine the combination with a milk receptacle and a cover therefor; of a valve case formed integrally within the cover, a valve within said valve case and an electromagnetic unit encircling said valve case and adapted toexert lifting force upon the valve, means for intermittently energizing said unit, and means for detachably fastening the unit to the cover and independently of the valve case.

24. In a vacuum milking machine a pair of main milk conducting tubes two pairs of branch milk conducting tubes having teat cups at their upper ends and-a device connecting one of the main tubes to one pair of the branch tubes and the other main tube to the other pair of branch tubes, the lower ends of the branch tubes of each pair being connected to the device in a plane bisecting the centre of gravity thereof and the said planes being perpendicular to each other, and means for alternately causing suction through the pairs of branch tubes.

25. In a vacuum milking machine the combination with a milk receptacle having a cover, milk, conducting tubes leading to the receptacle, a suction connection to said receptacle; of a pulsator mechanism for controlling .communication between the tubes and the receptacle, said mechanism including a plurality of valve cases supported upon the cover, valves within said valve cases, a portable electromagnetic unit constructed and arranged to encircle the valve cases and consisting of a plurality of coils adapted to exert magnetic force u-pon said valves.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two witnesses.

SEWARD ALGER WARNER.

Witnesses:

GORDON G. Cooxn, WILLIAM J. C. HEwE'rsoN. 

